Talk of the Towns, Dec. 5, 2019 – The Recorder

Ashfield

The First Congregational Church (UCC) of Ashfield will host its annual Winter Fest Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. St. Johns Episcopal will also be joining in the fun. Both churches will offer homemade Christmas cookies and other baked goods, jams, fresh wreaths, local crafts, books, Rada cutlery, Palestinian olive oil, Deans Beans coffee, gifts for bird lovers and more. The First Congregational Church will sponsor a drawing with many items (you dont have to be present to win) and Ms. Claus will be there. On Sunday at 3 p.m., the Ashfield Community Band will host its Holiday Family Carol Sing in the First Congregational sanctuary. The winner of the drawing will be announced at 3 p.m.

Smoking Cessation: Led by Tim Sweeney, tobacco treatment specialist. Meets Mondays, 6 to 7 p.m. Athol Hospitals cafeteria.

The Community Clothes Closet at 83 Foundry Village Road will be open every Saturday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.through Dec. 14, and resume in early April. Residents of all towns are welcome. Clothes are free and suit all ages. The closet accepts donations of clean clothing, which can be delivered anytime at the buildings rear. Contact Linda Wagner at 413-625-6157 or Sarah Looman 413-625 6169 for more information.

Greenfield Community College Chorus will present An Informal Holiday Concert in the GCC Main Lobby Friday from 12:15 to 12:45 p.m. The audience will be invited to join in singing, and refreshments will be available. The program will comprise traditional music for the season, early American anthems, music by Haydn and Brahms, and recent arrangements by Susan Brumfield and Victor Johnson. Performers will include soloists from the chorus: Kate Walker, cello, in Hashivenu; Henry Gaida, accompanist; and Margery Heins, conductor of the GCC Chorus. Information about joining the chorus will be available at the concert, or call 413-775-1171. For accessibility accommodation, contact the Coordinator of Disability Services 413-775-1812.

Friends of the Greenfield Public Library "Taste of the Towns" raffle drawing will be Saturday at noon at the Greenfield Public Library. Tickets are 1 for $5 or 3 for $10. Light refreshments will be served in the lobby of the library from 10 a.m. to noon.

Healthy Desserts: Tuesday from 1 to 2:30 p.m. at Greenfield Senior Center, 35 Pleasant St. Do you have a sweet tooth? Have you ever wondered how to make desserts healthier by adding or substituting fruits and veggies? Then this workshop and cooking demoby Emily Lawler,RDN, is for you. Registration required. Call 413-772-1517 ext. 0 or stop by the front desk to register.

Christmas Craft Fair: Saturday from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. at First Congregational Church, 41 Main St. The fair will offer hand made crafts, angels/nativities, floral arrangements, Christmas decor items, books, white elephant, collectibles, jewelry and more. There will also be raffles and grab and go lunch and bake sale.

Leyden Glen Sheep Farm Holiday Open House,31 Glen Road: Saturday and Sunday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Join artist, author and sheep farmer Kristin Nicholas and her husband sheep farmer Mark Duprey as they open their 1751 home and sheep farm for the 5th Annual Holiday Open House. See colorful hand-painted, handmade decorated farmhouse that has been featured in Yankee Magazine, Country Home, Houzz.com and more. Also sheep grazing. Special local guests artist Alicia Hunsicker, jeweler and textile Specialist Deborah Garner, dyer Gail Callahan and soapmaker Juliana Farina (from Amherst Soaps) will be selling handmade items. Celebrate the season, sample farm-raised lamb, and get a jump on holiday shopping.

The Pioneer Valley Regional School band will host its Mistletoe Market Holiday Fair on Saturday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the school. There will be crafters, food, sweet treats, raffles more. All proceeds to benefit the band as they will be going to Chicago in the spring to compete against other high school bands.

Christmas Bazaar sponsored by Dick's Angel Relay For Life will be Saturday from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Northfield Town Hall (downstairs, use back door). Bake sale, tomato cheddar soup, coffee can drawings, and more. All proceeds benefit the American Cancer Society.

The Kiwanis Club of Northfield will conduct its annual holiday fair and raffle on Saturday in the gym at Northfield Elementary School, 104 Main St. Crafts booths will surround the gym and a giant raffle table fills the center with prizes, including a quilt donated by Pickering Farm Quilt Shop and a meat smoker donated by Aubuchon's of Winchester. Prizes are awarded at the end of the fair by celebrity guest prize picker, Mary Bowen of the Northfield Creamie. Proceeds provide food and clothing gift certificates for needy families. The PTO will be selling hot food, beverages and books.

Santa and Mrs. Claus invite all to the Orange Historical Society's Christmas Bazaar Saturday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 41 North Main St. The tin can raffle has more than 140 quality items valued over $3,500 and a bake sale.

The Cellar Closet at Central Congregational Church of Orange, 95 South Main St., will be open every Saturday from 9 a.m. to noon. Volunteers have been accepting and arranging clothing for women, men and children, along with jewelry and accessories, shoes and household items. All items are reasonably priced and special sales are offered occasionally. for information, call 978-544-6895 or email orangecongregationalchurch@gmail.com.

Serendipity Shop: Saturdays, 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., Congregational Church basement. Mens, womens and childrens clothing, shoes and sneakers. Most items $1. Mens suits and all coats, $3. Womens suits, $2. Donations accepted. Proceeds to benefit the church. 413-665-2890.

St. Nicholas Bazaar will be Saturday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Our Lady of Czestochowa Church, 84 K St. Coffee and donuts will be served in the morning. The bazar will feature gifts, religious goods, bake sale, Polish food sale, vendors, raffle, lunch and more.

Puzzle Swap: Saturday from 10 to 11 a.m. at Greenfield Savings Bank, 282 Avenue A. Come swap with other fellow puzzle-masters. Light refreshments courtesy of Greenfield Savings Bank. No reservations required. All welcome with a puzzle to swap. Puzzles for all ages.

Franklin Area Survival Center: 96 4th St., 413-863-9549. The thrift store, which is open to the public and helps finance the food pantry, is open Monday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The food pantry is open Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. In an emergency, such as a fire or flood, the center will supply needed clothing, linens and food to help the disaster victims.

Helpful Programs at LifePath: LifePath provides assistance with light homemaking, home-delivered meals, personal care and adaptive equipment. Caregivers can take a break to de-stress with LifePaths respite services. In addition, the Consumer Directed Care Program allows elders in need to select their own caregiver perhaps a friend, neighbor or even a family member who can be paid through this program (excludes spouses). For more information, email info@lifepathma.org or call 413-773-5555 or 978-544-2259. Read more at lifepathma.org.

Serving the Health Insurance Needs of Everyone (SHINE): SHINE counselors are volunteers who provide free, unbiased health insurance information, education, and assistance to Medicare beneficiaries and adults with disabilities to help people figure out what their best health insurance options are based on their unique needs. Contact a SHINE counselor at LifePath at 413-773-555 or 978-544-2259. Email info@lifepathma.org or learn more at lifepathma.org.

Vigil for Racial Justice Every Saturday, 9 to 10 a.m., on the Greenfield Common. Bring your own sign or use one of ours. For more information: email@racialjusticerising.org.

Eventide Singers: Offering songs of hope and healing for seriously or terminally ill people, their families and caregivers. The service is offered in homes, hospitals and care facilities, without charge. The music can be selected in response to spiritual preference. For more information, visit eventidesingers.com or call Marcia Schuhle at 413-774-2335 or Joe Toritto at 413-774-5828.

Straight Spouse Support: One-on-one support for straight individuals currently or once married to lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender partners. Confidential helpline at 413-625-6636 or email jcmalinski48@gmail.com.

Help the Blind: Your car, truck or camper may be worth more as a donation than a trade-in. Call the Massachusetts Association for the Blind at 888-613-2777 for details. Old lawn mowers are also accepted. Donations are tax-deductible and towing is free. Proceeds benefit blind and vision-impaired people in Massachusetts. Alternatively, email Barbara Sciannameo at barbaras@mabcommunity.org.

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Talk of the Towns, Dec. 5, 2019 - The Recorder